Disclaimer: I don't own ATLA or LOK
Chapter Seven: Letting Go
Katara couldn't quite find the words as she stared back at a twelve-year-old version of her husband. He looked exactly like he did the day she met him almost forty years ago. Aang had the same wide, innocent smile plastered on his face as he held a staff at his side. He was even dressed in what looked to be the same clothes she and Sokka found him in– the yellow outfit with the orange shawl.
Aang looked so young and so free as if the horrors of the hundred-year war hadn't affected him yet. He hadn't learned of his entire civilization being wiped out and he was just a kid who wanted a childhood.
"I've been trying to reach you." Aang's eyes glazed around the landscape as he spoke, almost as if he was taking it in, trying to preserve the memory in any way he could. "We should go penguin sledding."
"As much as I would love to, I've been trying so hard to find you," Katara replied, her voice wobbling as she inched forward. "I'm so worried, Aang. I know there are three other locations Zuko and I should be checking, but why do I have this nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach?"
"Because you rightfully know something isn't right," Aang explained, his composure softening. Katara could notice tears were starting to cloud up his gray eyes. "And that I've been trying to get through to you these past couple of weeks without disturbing the natural order of things…but she's in trouble."
"She?" Katara blinked, her breathing halted. "The Avatar…"
"Katara, I think you've known this whole time," Aang stated carefully. "You know who she is. You knew me. Think hard…"
And that's when everything fell into place for Katara– the pieces of a puzzle that had been there this entire time. All those times she'd been searching through the waterbending school at the South…The focus of the White Lotus on those in the North…Not to mention, all the playdates she absent-mindedly supervised with Suki….How stupid could she possibly be? Right under her nose. This whole time.
"Korra," Katara whispered, taking a sharp inhale of breath. The younger version of her husband did not say anything as she studied him, trying to see if his emotions would lead anything to her guess. "Lila's friend. The little girl…It's her, isn't it?"
"I hoped you'd sense something about her, but truthfully, I wanted you to go on this journey," Aang spoke as he turned around to look at the sun setting against the tundra's vast, icy landscape. "I couldn't just give you the answer, where's the fun in all of that?"
"Is there a point to all of this?" Katara sputtered. She watched as Aang turned around to reveal a much older version of himself. He was in his forties now, dressed in more formal airbending robes, and stood much taller with a gentle expression on his face. "Why send me up here? She's in danger, isn't she? What if this is just furthering the danger!"
"She's safe in the south, but this is something you needed to realize on your own, Katara," Aang explained. "At the place that started your training. You needed to be at peace with your mind…You haven't exactly been at ease these last four years."
"What would you know? You're probably just a figment of my imagination," Katara retorted hotly, crossing her arms over her chest in frustration. She looked down to see she was in a different parka. The waterbender then noticed her reflection in the water shifted from fourteen to middle-age once again. Her hair loose around her face instead of a braid and the laughter lines evidently edged out in her complexion. "Why should I believe it's Korra? This is just a dream after all."
"Because you know the power of dreams and spirits," Aang remarked. He walked over to his wife and grasped both of her hands in his. To Katara, it felt so real– like she was holding her deceased husband's hands again. "And because now that you've realized, you can follow through on your hunch."
"Well if you are real, I don't know if I want you to go," Katara muttered, reaching up to cup his cheek.
"Katara, you will always be my forever girl." Aang leaned to press his forehead against hers. She could hear him holding back the tears by the heaviness in his voice. "And I will always be thankful you went penguin sledding with me all those years ago…But it's time for you to let me go. I need you to let me go. There's a new Avatar who needs guidance…And you shouldn't let the past hold you down for the rest of your life. You still have a lot of living to do. It's okay to love again. To be you. Please, be unapologetically the Katara I know you can be."
"Aang." Katara shut her eyes tightly to prevent the tears from coming. However, she couldn't quite stop it as they managed to rapidly rush down her cheeks.
"I need to go. You need to go," Aang pleaded, pressing a light kiss to Katara's lips. "Go now. Save Korra. They're coming for her."
"Aang…"
"Go, Katara! You can do this. They're coming. There's nothing I can do to protect her–"
"AANG!"
"Katara!"
The waterbender shot up and before she could think, she felt herself collide with a broad chest. Without thinking, Katara buried herself into the chest while a pair of arms hesitantly snaked around her body.
"Katara?" a voice called out her name gingerly as the tears poured down her cheeks like waterfalls. The waterbender said nothing as she buried herself further into the embrace, taking in the comforting warmth as her sobs became evident. She took a deep inhale of sandalwood and smoke, her body relaxing at the familiarity of the scent and the feeling of the body so close to hers. "It's alright. You're alright," the voice soothed, rubbing her back. "I'm here."
It took Katara a few moments to compose herself and finally realize where she was and who she was with.
Katara tilted her head up and blinked back the tears. "Z-Zuko?" she stuttered, tiredly blinking at him in confusion. "What…What are you doing in here?"
"I felt bad about how we left things and wanted to see if we could talk. I was about to knock on your door when I heard you screaming," Zuko explained gently. "I barged in thinking you might be in trouble."
"Ah no," Katara said, shaking her head as she removed herself from Zuko's grasp. The Fire Lord realized he still had a protective hold on the waterbender and instantly flushed, awkwardly inching away from her. Katara also blushed, looking away from him as she swung herself to sit at the edge of the bed a good few feet away from her friend. "I just had a nightmare. That's all."
"That didn't seem like just any normal nightmare," Zuko pointed out warily, his gaze on his gathered hands in his lap.
"It wasn't," Katara answered, her voice cracking. She blinked back a few of her remaining tears before she turned to look directly at Zuko. "Which is why we need to leave this instant."
"Right now?" Zuko reiterated slowly, looking at her bewildered. "Katara, it's midnight. We should sleep on it and then–"
"I know who the Avatar is," Katara blurted out, swallowing hard. "Aang– he told me, in my dream."
"In your dream?" Zuko questioned, his amber eyes widening in surprise. "Are you sure? What if–"
"I'm certain and I also know we need to head back to the Southern Water Tribe as fast as possible," Katara exclaimed, scrambling up from the bed. The severity of the situation kicking in as the adrenaline coursed through her and her heart began to race. "Because if we don't, we'll be too late. The Avatar is in trouble!"
"Wait, wait– slow down," Zuko requested delicately, holding his hands up. "Are you saying the Avatar was in the South Pole this whole time? Why…Why would Aang have us travel all the way up here then? Are we sure–"
"Zuko," Katara spoke up, her voice firm and serious. Something about the tone made Zuko instantly quiet as he stared at his distressed friend. "I don't really understand anything right now, but what I do know is she's in danger. We need to go back home."
The Fire Lord was quiet for a beat. "It's a girl?"
"Korra," Katara answered quietly. "Her name is Korra."
Zuko nodded stiffly before clearing his throat and sitting up. "Alright. After all, it's not like you're the only one having crazy dreams about Aang…There might be a reason for all of this, but for now, I'll get Druk saddled up and will notify the Chief of our departure."
"Tell him it's a family emergency," Katara instructed, nervously rubbing her hands together. "And I'm going to pen a notice to the White Lotus. If we can't get there in time, maybe they can. Hopefully, they'll follow through."
"They will," Zuko insisted. "And let your brother know as well. In the meantime, I'll meet you in front of the palace in a half-hour."
"I'll make it twenty," Katara replied fiercely. Zuko nodded at this before rushing out of the room, leaving the waterbending master to get ready.
After quickly sending a fire hawk to the White Lotus and another to Sokka, Katara got ready and gathered the few belongings she brought with her. The waterbender's mind was too on edge to think about what she was going on as she hastily packed. Within the next couple of minutes, she found herself stumbling down the grand stairs of the Northern Palace to find Zuko was already there. He was stroking the side of Druk's neck and preparing him for their upcoming journey.
Chief Unalaq was also there with some of his guards. The Chieftain seemed irritated as he tapped his foot in agitation. Katara couldn't exactly blame him for being annoyed, he was awoken in the middle of the night to find out his guests were trying to leave his home as fast as they could. Regardless though, she could see Unalaq was greeting Zuko with a cordial goodbye.
"I'm sorry to hear you must leave so urgently," Unalaq remarked as Katara joined Zuko's side.
"We are too," Zuko said regretfully.
"But I must get back to my family," Katara added, her voice firm. However, the Northern Chief could detect the bit of worry cracking through her words.
"I hope everything is alright?" Unalaq inquired, his eyebrow quirked a little. "Is Chief Sokka well?"
"He's alright and he will send you word soon enough to ensure our safe return and explain everything, I'm sure," Katara said before bowing respectfully. "Thank you once again for all of your hospitality, Chief Unalaq."
"It was a pleasure, Master Katara," Unalaq replied, bowing in reciprocation to Katara and then to Zuko. "And you too, Fire Lord Zuko."
"Likewise." Zuko bowed back before hoisting himself up on Druk, taking the dragon's reigns in his.
"Now, we must be off," Katara stated firmly as she took Zuko's hand and mounted herself behind him, holding onto the Fire Lord's waist.
"Safe travels!" the chief called out as the Fire Lord and the waterbending master flew into the sky, almost in a split second.
Once they were out of sight, the Chief of the Northern Water Tribe had to act fast. His guards didn't linger the moment he enter the palace doors. Once they could not see their Chief, he quickened his pace and rushed to his study.
Once arriving there, he shut the door and automatically picked up a pen and started to scratch out an urgent message to his dear friend. His eyes blazed as the ink formed four important sentences on a piece of parchment.
We're correct. The Avatar is south. Follow through with the plan. You know what to do.
"Soon the Red Lotus will be victorious," Unalaq declared quietly to himself, his lips twitching into a venomous smile. "It's only a matter of time before the Avatar is ours…"
Katara and Zuko would travel on Druk for what felt like hours. The Fire Lord knew exactly how important this was to his friend. Katara had been tense the whole ride and he knew Druk was really pushing his limits to ensure they'd get there by the next day. However, he could tell his dragon was running out of steam. Druk would need to rest soon and Zuko needed to find somewhere safe for them to stop.
"Why are we descending?!" Katara yelped as she felt Druk begin to lower in elevation.
"To set up camp for the night," Zuko explained nonchalantly as he guided Druk to a clear path within a southern Earth Kingdom forest. "We need some rest."
"We have to keep going," Katara blurted out anxiously. "If we don't get there–"
"We'll get there," Zuko cut her off. His voice was hard, but there was a hint of reassurance in it. "Druk needs sleep. He's been flying for hours."
Katara's face softened in realization and she immediately felt ashamed of her reaction. "Oh Spirits, I got so caught up….I'm so sorry, Druk. You're right, Zuko. We should stop for the night."
"Besides, I think you could use some sleep," Zuko murmured as Druk landed in the clearing. The dragon seemed to collapse with exhaustion the moment Zuko dismounted him.
The Fire Lord looked up at Katara, who was still mounted on the dragon. He noticed the heavy bags under her eyes and how her eyes threatened to close at any second with sleep. "You've been up for almost twenty-four hours, Katara."
"So have you," the waterbender pointed out meekly as she got off the dragon and joined his side.
"We both could use some sleep," Zuko concluded tenderly. Katara could hear the sleep grow coarse in his voice and felt the guilty feeling her in stomach tighten. It felt like knots were forming. "It's okay," the firebender said, catching her off guard– as if he was reading her mind. "I completely understand why you're so anxious. Trust me, I'm scared too, but we won't be able to do much if we show up there exhausted and without any energy. We need some rest so if there is a fight, we'll be ready for whatever comes our way."
"You're right," Katara agreed, remembering the distant memory she had of Aang a few days before the Eclipse. She remembered how stressed he'd been and how hard she and the others tried to get him to rest. Now, here Zuko was doing the same for her.
While Zuko set up the campfire, Katara grudgingly began to set up her bedroll for the night. In a matter of minutes, she had instantly fallen asleep. Her body curled up in exhaustion.
Without thinking much, Zuko gently drew her blanket around her body better, making sure Katara was nice and warm for the evening. He then looked at Druk who seemingly gave him the equivalent of an eyebrow raise.
"Oh, go to sleep," Zuko told the old dragon. Druk huffed in response before curling up around the campsite and dozing off. The dragon's snores filling the air almost right away.
Meanwhile, Zuko checked the area to ensure they were safe. He stayed on watch for a few moments, making sure the fire was strong before succumbing to sleep himself. As he dreamed, he found himself drifting to someplace rather familiar…
He was standing on the shore right outside of the Ember Island beach house. The water was calm today and Zuko couldn't help but feel at peace being in the one place he could always be himself. The feeling of the water lapping against his bare ankles and the salted air filling his nose made him relax as fond memories swirled in his mind. His breathing slowed and matched the rhythm of the ocean's placid waves.
The Fire Lord looked down at the water to see a much younger version of himself starring back at him in his reflection. He had to be in his twenties– less rugged and despite the scar, the effects of a life rebuilding his nation were not there yet.
"We always had a lot of fun here."
Zuko turned around and blinked when he saw Aang standing there. He was also much younger than he last saw the Avatar– he also had to be in his early twenties, maybe late teens. Aang was wearing his orange and yellow swim trunks and had a jovial look on his face. It felt as if a memory from one of their trips was resurfacing on purpose in his brain.
"Aang?" Zuko stammered, trying to find his voice.
"Don't act so surprised, Sifu Hotman," Aang quipped, his lips curling into a smirk. "You know I've been trying to reach you somehow. Katara isn't the only person I need to visit."
"What is going on?" Zuko asked his best friend, his tone desperate. "The wild goose chase? The cryptic clues?"
"You know there's only so much I can do," Aang explained sadly. "And besides, you two needed to go on a journey together. You needed to face some unanswered questions before you could help her."
"You mean Korra?" Zuko asked hesitantly. Aang didn't say anything as the Fire Lord bit his lip. "So it wasn't just a dream for Katara."
"That's for you to decide," Aang answered, his expression unreadable. "I can't change the course of fate. I'm no longer the Avatar and I'm no longer a physical body on this earth. I can only provide spiritual guidance."
"I see."
"You know, it's okay," Aang announced, catching Zuko off guard. "That's why I'm here…I don't think I need to give my blessing nor Mai–"
"Mai?" Zuko sputtered out. "What are you even talking–"
"Zuko…It's okay," Aang said, cutting him off. The former Avatar looked at his friend with a soft and almost encouraging smile. "You both deserve to be happy. I'm not angry and I am not sad. You two were two of the most important people in my life. Be happy. In dark times, sometimes love is the thing that makes us stronger. Do not spend the rest of your life in loneliness, buddy. Embrace something new and beautiful. Something that could've been there years ago."
"I don't quite understand," Zuko replied, his eyebrows furrowing together in confusion.
"You will," Aang said, smiling gently. "You will."
Before Zuko could respond, he woke up with a start in his bedroll. The Fire Lord was breathing hard and his heart pounded as he tried to take in his surroundings. Dawn was approaching as the darkened sky seemed to be tinted with a light hue from the rising sun. The wind gently rustled through the woods, yet the campfire before him rose with his initial fear. Blazing for a second before dying back into a gentle rhythm.
"Zuko?"
He turned to his left to see a sleepy Katara rubbing her eyes as she stared back at him. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah. It was just a dream," Zuko instantly replied, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Just a dream."
"It was Aang, wasn't it?" Katara questioned bluntly. Despite the exhaustion in her eyes, Zuko could see the look of knowing in them.
Zuko didn't say anything in response, he just simply nodded. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked, noticing how unnerved he was.
"It…He told me it's okay. That everything is going to be okay," Zuko said, causing Katara's irises to widen. However, she said nothing. "Sorry I woke you. Let's just go back to sleep," he continued anxiously. "I'll…We'll leave in a few hours."
"Okay," Katara agreed quietly while Zuko turned away from her, curling up in his bedroll. Aang's words still ringing in his head.
It's okay. You both deserve to be happy.
However, it was the "something that could've been there years ago" that stumped Zuko. Was Aang saying that maybe he'd been in love with Katara this whole time? That was ridiculous…Especially since he loved Mai and Katara loved Aang.
But maybe…Just maybe, there was always some sort of attraction there. He jumped in front of a lighting bolt for her. He almost died for her….Did that mean something else? Something he didn't quite understand? Or was he just looking into this way too much?
Looking way too much into it, Zuko concluded to himself as he shut his eyes as tight as he could, hoping sleep would succumb him again soon.
The next morning, the two got up and quietly went through a quick routine. Katara had begun breakfast while Zuko attended to Druk, making sure he'd be okay to leave the moment they were fed. They didn't speak much to each other– everything still awkward since Zuko didn't want to bring it up again and Katara couldn't quite find the words to even begin talking about what transpired.
That's when a fire hawk came flying through, his squawking breaking their quiet morning. Zuko was the first one to reach him as he took a scroll out of the Hawk's grasp. He could feel Katara inching closer to him, the waterbender peering over his shoulder.
"What does it say?"
Zuko responded with an exhale of relief as he finished reading the scroll. "The White Lotus got a tip about Korra earlier this week. Apparently, she started to demonstrate other talents like firebending and even earthbending in the recent month. They went to her house earlier yesterday, after they received our notice, and Senna and Tonraq only confirmed our suspicions….She is the Avatar."
"Does that mean they're guarding her right now?" Katara asked hastily.
The firebender nodded. "Yes. Sokka says they're keeping a close eye on her. Don't worry…Which means, it should be okay when we get there. It means that she's safe."
Katara sighed gratefully, clutching to her mother's necklace as if it were a lifeline. "Thank Tui and La. I was so worried. That little girl, if anything were to happen to her–"
"I know," Zuko said, giving Katara a gentle smile. "Look, we're almost to the South Pole. We'll fly on Druk and we'll be there before dinnertime…And then we can make a plan with Sokka, Korra's parents, and the White Lotus. Since she's demonstrating abilities like this so early, it means she'll need teachers."
Katara smiled back warmly at this. "I would've probably taught her regardless of her being the Avatar or not, but if I could…I'd love to teach her."
"Same," Zuko agreed fondly. "I think it's what Aang wanted us to do."
Katara nodded enthusiastically. "And Tenzin! Oh, Tenzin will have someone to teach airbending to! He won't be the only one, although I know Korra is technically a waterbender first and fourth most. But, she's still someone who will bend his element. He's not alone."
"He's not and I'm sure whenever he and Lin decide to settle down, he'll not be the only one then," Zuko teased, reaching out to squeeze Katara's hand in a comforting manner. She smirked in response, squeezing it back, but stopped the moment she realized what she was doing. Zuko also realized and let go as quickly as he could, not wanting to push his friend any further.
"So, ah, what are we waiting for?" he stammered, scratching the back of his head. "Let's get on Druk and get to the South Pole."
"Sounds like a plan," Katara stammered, looking rather flustered as a flush of pink rose in her cheeks.
Without wasting another second, the two finished up their tasks and before they knew it, they had mounted Druk and were heading straight towards the South Pole.
It felt like a matter of seconds as the air soon grew sharper, icier. Katara could feel the heat practically emitting from Zuko's firebending body and part of her wished she could grow closer to him, but things were so complicated right now.
Luckily, before she knew it, they were landing right beside Sokka and Suki's household. She could see her brother and sister-in-law waiting beneath, waving as Druk made a landing.
"Katara!" Sokka shouted the moment they landed and she dismounted Druk. Immediately, she was scooped up by her older brother into a bone crushing hug.
"Sokka?" Katara cried out in surprise, slowly managing to wrap her own arms around him in the process.
"I was so worried when I received that message from you," Sokka exclaimed, hugging his sister even tighter as he buried his face into the shoulder of her scratchy parka. "But the Avatar– she's here and she's really something."
"I can't wait to get to know her better," Katara replied softly as they broke apart from their hug. The siblings briefly smiled bittersweetly at one another. After all, this is where their journey first started– finding Aang in a chunk of ice. Now here they were, back in their homeland with an Avatar of their nation.
"How is Korra?" Zuko asked, making his presence known as he finished dismounting Druk.
"She's fine. Honestly, she's pretty oblivious to what's about to happen to her," Suki said as she proceed to greet the Fire Lord with a quick hug. "She's currently being guarded by the White Lotus…Why? Do you think she's in trouble?"
"We got a hunch," Katara answered loosely, sharing a concerned look with Zuko as he pulled apart from his hug with Suki. "Something isn't right…Call it spiritual intervention, but we both think Korra is trouble."
"Well, that's enough for me," Sokka said, scratching his beard in consideration. "I'll give an update to the White Lotus guards and Tonraq…And should also consider updating the kids…"
"When you mean kids, you don't mean our kids, do you?" Zuko questioned, fear elevated in his voice.
"Well yeah, I let them know what's going on," Sokka confirmed like it was the most obvious answer in the world.
Katara glared at her brother, crossing her arms over her chest. "You let them my children know what's going on!?"
"Yes, that's what I just said…" Sokka trailed off, raising his eyebrow at his little sister. "They're not kids anymore and they seemed fine with it, if you ask me. Besides, we could use their help. And Toph's help too– I informed her what's going on as well. She's pretty peeved you guys went on a field trip without her. Said something about Zuko still not taking her on a life-changing field trip and how she's still waiting for one?"
Zuko scowled at that while Katara changed from a look of annoyance to one of uneasiness. "I'm not sure I was ready to let the kids know the news," she mentioned quietly. Or face them after what Zuko and I did…Not that they'd know, but the thought of having to face them after that? I couldn't possibly….
"Hey, this is something to be happy about," Suki announced assuredly, wrapping an arm around Katara's shoulder and pulling her into a comforting side hug. "The new Avatar has been found! This is a time of celebration! I know it may seem scary right now, but you don't have to worry anymore…And I'm sure the kids will be happy to know that their father's next life is safe."
"True," Katara agreed, biting her lip hesitantly.
"Come on, we'll take you to see Korra," Sokka said, slapping Zuko on the back. "I'm sure she wants to see you guys again. After all, Lila's already filled her head with the stories you've told her about our adventures and all about Aang."
"That sounds like a good idea," Zuko said, his eyes drifting to Katara's, which still had a sort of anxiousness in their sea of blue.
The group then made their way to the outskirts of the city. As Sokka and Zuko discussed possible new safety measures for the young Avatar, Katara and Suki trailed right behind– the two friends catching up for a bit.
"I know this is only more news to rattle everyone, but it's confirmed that Lila is a waterbender," Suki explained to her friend excitedly. The Kyoshi Warrior smiled happily as she continued. "Which means you and Kya can train her! I knew we always had a feeling, but we watched her create a small wave that soaked poor Ami. Her sister isn't too thrilled, but I promised her I'd show her how to use my fans. That seemed to keep her at bay…"
"That's really amazing news, Suki," Katara replied, perking her voice up to exemplify some enthusiasm. "I'm so excited for Lila."
Katara was very happy, honestly. She had waited to hear the news that her great-niece would be a waterbender, but something about today had Katara feeling off. She didn't quite feel herself.
Suki noticed her sister-in-law's distance and the warrior's expression softened up for a moment. "Are you okay?"
"Why would you ask that?" Katara questioned, raising her eyebrows.
"Well, you seem off," Suki pointed out. "Is it the fact the Avatar has been found? I know it must be a lot."
"Yes, but also no," Katara answered, fixating the hood of her parka better as they traveled further outside the city. They were now reaching the more quiet section, far away from the hustle and bustle to the more residential area. This part reminded Katara of her the home she used to have before the south modernized. She was quite proud of her father and brother's accomplishments in making the city what it is today and she loves her home immensely, but being in the outskirts of the city brought Katara a sense of ease. Made her think of Gran Gran's old igloo and all the childhood memories she had there.
"Did something happen at the North Pole?" Suki asked unexpectedly, causing Katara to halt in her tracks for a moment.
"What makes you think that!?"
"Well, by your reaction, I'd say so…" Suki trailed off, looking at her sister-in-law suspiciously. "Did something happen between you and Sparky?"
"What makes you think that?" Katara squeaked out. Her eyes darting forward to where Zuko and Sokka were way far ahead, clearly engaged in some sort of conversation that would probably keep them out of the loop of the girls' discussion.
"I have eyes," Suki said dryly. "I hope you realize, we've all been watching you two grow closer these last couple of years. It's no secret that you and Zuko have something going on, anyone can see it."
Katara's lips formed into a thin line at this comment while Suki stopped in her tracks, putting both hands on her hips. "You know you gotta talk to me if you want to get through this..."
"Look, let's just say something did happen," Katara continued, watching as an excited glint appeared in Suki's eyes. "But also let's just say I don't really know how to handle it…"
"What do you mean by that?" Suki asked slowly. "Do you think you're not ready? Or you just don't want it?"
"I don't know," Katara confessed, sighing heavily. "There is just a lot to factor in and…And making sure everything goes right and I don't know, what others might think–"
"Screw what others think!" Suki exclaimed, rolling her eyes. "My dear sister, you have given your life to so many different causes and people over the last couple of decades, you deserve to have happiness again, especially after what you went through. I don't know what I'd do if I lost Sokka and had to carry on like you did, but you did and you got through that, which is why you deserve to have something that's yours again."
Before Katara could even respond to Suki's comment, Sokka had called back to the two girls to inform them that they'd arrive.
"We'll talk later," Suki whispered, causing Katara to want to shrink further into her parka. She knew Suki would want to talk this out and as grateful as she was for having such a loving and caring sister-in-law, Katara would rather not talk about it anymore.
The group slowly approached a small igloo that was currently being guarded by a few White Lotus members. Katara watched as Sokka and Suki walked over to the entrance first and briefly conversed with the guard posted there.
Katara's eyes meanwhile wandered to the other guards. Her gaze managed to catch that of one man. He had olive green eyes and a square looking face. However, it was the scar over his eyebrow that caught her attention.
Before she could do anything else, Katara found herself wandering into the home of Senna and Tonraq. It was a humble residence– reminded the waterbender of her childhood home. There were various Southern Water Tribe shields and artwork hanging on the walls along with some furs and hunting tools. The proud parents stood in the center of their household. Tonraq's arm was around Senna, drawing his wife near as they nervously smiled at the new guests.
Katara could immediately see the resemblance Tonraq had to his brother. The similar square faces, dark brown hair, and steel blue eyes. However, Tonraq was a lot more muscular and more built than the slimmer Unalaq. It oddly fit their opposing personalities– Unalaq being the spiritual and studious younger brother and Tonraq the older warrior.
As for Senna, she was a foot smaller than her husband. Despite her slight nervous demeanor, Katara could see warmth and kindness in her cyan eyes. She was dressed in a light blue dress, lined with white fur and a hood. Her dark brown hair was styled in two long braids and had a fringe that framed her face.
"Lord Zuko, Master Katara, it's an honor to have you in our home," Tonraq said as he and Senna bowed before the two.
"Please, we're thankful that you're even letting us have the honor of getting to know your daughter," Katara told them truthfully as she and Zuko bowed back.
"Speaking of which, Korra!" Senna called out, her head tilting in the direction of the doorway to another room. "Come here, we have guests!"
"Okay!" a small voice chirped. That's when the child who approached Druk only a week ago came rambling in like a little tornado, fire kicking in the process before doing a roll on the ground, extinguishing the flame in the process with her waterbending.
"Agni, she's exhibiting other bending abilities like this already?" Zuko breathed, causing Katara to nod slowly in agreement. They suspected the new Avatar would show signs of other elemental bending– it wasn't uncommon with past Avatars. However, two elements? At such a young age? Katara wished she knew more about Aang's upbringing and the monks notes on how they discovered his abilities...But she knew most of that information was lost and Aang didn't know much himself.
Korra's gaze then caught the attention of the new guests and she automatically gave them a toothy, welcoming grin. "Hello Mr. Fire Lord! Master Katara!"
The moment was a lot for both Katara and Zuko. Despite having met Korra before, this felt different. This was the end of their journey– their destiny. This was also the next life of someone they cared about greatly and it brought a tidal wave of emotion over the two of them.
"Hello, Korra," Katara spoke up gently, smiling as she knelt before the little girl. "So…Lila wasn't lying when she said you were the Avatar, huh?"
Korra shrugged as she approached the woman. "I didn't know I was the Avatar then, I swear!"
"We believe you, kiddo. Don't worry," Zuko added, kneeling beside Katara.
"It just sorta started a few days ago. Mommy was cooking and was trying to start a fire and I don't know, I just made one," Korra recalled, turning towards her parents who gave her looks of encouragement. "I just wanted to help."
"Of course. That's often times how you discover your abilities for the first time," Katara explained gingerly.
"Does that mean you two will be my bending teachers?" Korra inquired out loud.
"Korra, honey, we didn't have the chance to figure that out yet," Senna said, fearful of possibly insulting her guests. "They're quite busy people too."
"Actually, that's why I came to talk to you today," Katara said, smiling reassuringly in Senna and then Korra's direction. "I heard you need a waterbending teacher and you may choose whoever you want, but I would love the chance to teach you, Korra."
"Really?" Korra's blue eyes sparkled at this comment and she immediately started jumping up and down. "Yes, please! And does that make Lord Zuko my firebending teacher?"
"Sweetheart, the Fire Lord might not be able to–"
"What!? The bald guy said Sifu Hotman would help me," Korra remarked sadly, her bottom lip puffing out.
This comment had Katara, Zuko, Sokka, and Suki frozen all at the same time hearing the little girl speak the familiar nickname "Did you just say…Sifu Hotman?" Sokka blurted out, blinking furiously.
"Yeah," Korra responded, nodding her head slowly. "That's what the bald man says…Although, I haven't seen him in awhile…"
"We assumed it to be one of her imaginary friends," Tonraq informed the other adults.
"Ah…I don't think so," Sokka answered. "Might be something more than that."
"Why? Did I say something wrong?" Korra pouted, looking nervously up at the adults for answers.
"No, it's just…That's what Avatar Aang, Master Katara's husband, and my best friend, but more importantly the Avatar before you, used to call me," Zuko explained hoarsely, managing to smile for the little girl to assure her it was okay.
"Oh," Korra replied, her lips forming a little 'o' shape in the process. "Well he's very nice…Said Katara and you would help me and keep me safe…After that, I haven't seen him."
"Well, we promise to do just that, Korra," Katara vowed to the little girl, regaining her composure at the fact that this child had spiritual contact with her late husband. "Avatar Aang is usually right about this kind of stuff."
Korra nodded in understanding. "Okay…I trust you."
"Good because we're here to keep you safe and to show you the way," Katara said, reaching out a hand to Korra. The little girl attentively took it and shook the waterbending master's hand for the first time.
"Chief Sokka!" that's when a White Lotus member swung the door wide open, letting the harsh winter air rush into the warmth of the little igloo. "An airship has been spotted ahead. We think it's Police Chief Beifong!"
"Great! Toph got here early," Sokka said, rubbing his hands together. "Perfect!"
"Does that mean my kids are here too?" Katara asked hopefully. "Possibly Tenzin or Bumi? Or maybe even Kya, although I know she's in Omashu."
"No, just Toph and Lin, I think, unless she decided to go with her boyfriend. Tenzin is currently picking up Kya via air bison in Omashu. Meanwhile, Bumi will be hitching a ride with Izumi in the Fire Nation because he was there on business," Sokka explained to his sister. "They should be here by tomorrow night and when they get here, we can make a further plan of discussion."
"Sounds good." Katara couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at the fact she'd have all three kids with her again at home. It'd been so long. She was also excited to see Toph. It's been quite a bit since she last saw her old friend. It'd be nice to catch up with her.
"In the meantime, Suki and I should probably go greet Toph. You know she's not the biggest fan of the ice and snow," Sokka mentioned, jerking a thumb to the door. "Do you guys mind staying back here while we go fetch her? She wants to meet Korra first."
"Yeah, of course! Of course! We can stay here, ah together," Zuko replied awkwardly, earning a look of suspicion from Suki and an indifferent shrug from Sokka.
"Alright. We'll be right back," Sokka said before he clasped Suki's hand and dragged his wife outside with him.
"Master Tonraq, we also request your presence for a moment," the White Lotus guard Katara noticed earlier spoke up gruffly as he entered the household after Sokka and Suki left. "We received a letter from your brother."
"My brother?" Tonraq boomed, his eyes widening in surprise. "Unalaq? Are you sure?"
"Yes," the White Lotus agent confirmed.
"Maybe he's asking to see if we made it back safely," Katara suggested, seeing the bewildered expression on the banished son's face. "We did speak highly of you up there…Maybe there's more he wishes to speak about."
"I doubt it…Probably heard his niece is the Avatar," Tonraq said, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm sure you've seen how spiritual my brother can be."
"That we did," Zuko confirmed wryly.
"A little over the top, if you ask me," Katara added bluntly, putting a hand on her hip.
Tonraq chuckled at this. "I think you and I are going to get along quite well, Master Katara." He then looked at his wife and pressed a kiss to her cheek and then ruffled the top of Korra's head. "I'll be right back to see what this brother of mine has to say exactly."
"We'll be right here, dear," Senna responded, stroking the top of Korra's head.
With that, Tonraq left the igloo, leaving the three adults and the young Avatar alone. "So…You're Tarkik's niece?" Katara asked, trying to break the ice with Senna. She'd met the woman before, but they never had the chance to talk. Senna knew Sokka and Suki a lot better. "How's he?"
"He's well," Senna kindly told her. "He recently got engaged to a nice woman. The entire family's been hounding him to settle down for years…"
"Oh really?" Katara replied dryly.
Soon enough, she and Senna found common ground and began to talk like they've known each other for years. As they did this, Zuko played with Korra. The young girl managed to bring back memories of Izumi when she was young and the Fire Lord would play hide n seek with her or even joined in on her vastly imaginative tea parties with Iroh. Unlike his rather reserved daughter though, Korra was bold and rough. A total spitfire and a ball of pure energy. Very different from the gentle and peaceful spirit Aang had been. She reminded Zuko a lot of Toph, oddly enough. They had a similar fierce spirit– somehow, he knows the young girl would take a liking to the earthbender.
As they played hide 'n seek, Zuko chased the giggling little girl, much to her amusement. In a fit of laughter, the Fire Lord picked up Korra and playfully exclaimed, "I've captured the Avatar!"
"No!" Korra squealed as Zuko tossed her up in the air slightly before settling her down.
"She's definitely going to be tired out later," Senna joked, smiling warmly in the Fire Lord's direction as she chatted with Katara. "He's a natural with kids."
"He raised a daughter all on his own," Katara said as she watched Zuko play with Korra. "Not to mention, whenever we got together, he, Sokka, and Aang were often the ones entertaining the children. Spirits, they used to chase those kids around for hours, trying to wear them down."
Senna chuckled at this, but Katara could sense an uneasiness following. The mother's eyes didn't leave her daughter's sight." "I don't want to intervene too much into your personal life, but if you don't mind me asking a question." Senna slightly fidgeted in nervousness as she turned to look at Katara. "There will be a sense of normalcy for her, right? I mean, I know you weren't the mother of an Avatar, but you were married to one. And well...I guess what I'm trying to say is that as a mother, well…"
"You're scared?" Katara summarized, studying the way Senna's face contorted in worry. The young mother bringing a nervous hand to her mouth as she nodded. "That's understandable and not avoidable, especially when the Avatar is your loved one," she informed her. "I won't lie, I was constantly in fear of losing Aang…The danger he faced– the danger we both faced together, but at the end of the day, I saw how he changed the world. How he brought balance and how he changed my own world. However, as as a mother to three children, I can tell you that when your child grows up, you can't protect them from everything as much as you want to…You can only hope that whatever you taught them will prepare them for whatever's to come."
Senna was quiet as she nodded. "Thank you, Master Katara," the woman said gratefully.
"Please, Katara is fine," she replied, reaching out to place a comforting hand over one of Senna's that lay on the table. "And I promise, we'll do everything in our power to keep Korra safe. I know how scary and new this will be, but it will all get better eventually."
"I trust you," Senna said, smiling at the waterbender. She then proceeded to head over to where Korra and Zuko had finished up playing. "As for you little miss, you should get washed up. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Okay, Mommy!" Korra chirped, grasping Senna's hand as they headed to the igloo's washroom.
Meanwhile, Katara couldn't help but ponder at her advice about fear. Who was she to tell Senna anything when she couldn't quite control her own fears? What was wrong with her?
Katara looked up to see it was just her and Zuko now. The awkward tension was apparent through the air and she could feel herself drifting further, wanting to succumb to that very fear and run away.
"I'm going to step outside for some air," Katara declared hastily, standing up from where she'd been sitting with Senna a few seconds ago.
Zuko frowned at this. "Katara–"
Without thinking, Katara marched outside, past the two guards at the doorway and made her way towards the backside of the igloo, a bit away from the others. The cool air brought a sense of relief to her and Katara could feel at ease being in the environment of her element. Of her home.
"Katara!"
"Not now, Zuko," Katara said, turning around to see the Fire Lord scrambling after her in the snow.
"No! Something is clearly bothering you and I'm not going to run away from this," Zuko stated firmly as he stood before her.
"Well too bad, I want to ignore and run away right now," Katara mumbled. "And can't you respect my wishes?"
"Not when it's hurting you and me," Zuko shot back. He paused, his form slumping a little as they stared at one another. "We can't ignore the kiss forever, Katara. We need to talk about what's happening between us. I'm not going to let things go sour for our friendship because you're too stubborn to discuss any of this!"
"Says the man who can barely express his feelings," Katara retorted vehemently.
"Hey! I've changed! I've grown out of that," Zuko shot back. "I mean, I'm still not one hundred percent, I'm still kind of awkward and sometimes I'm not great at expressing what I mean– wait, that's not the point. The point is we need to have an adult conversation about this and not act like children!"
"I don't want to fight right now, Zuko. This is no place to have this discussion," Katara chastised. "We're about to greet our old friend to meet the reincarnation of our deceased one. A child, who may or may not be in danger. You think whatever is going on between us is that important!?"
"Then when is?" Zuko countered. "The signs have all been pointing to this. Maybe for years–"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Katara snapped, her fits clenching in rage. She could feel the ice around her start to crack, threatening to be shot as spikes in Zuko's direction. "That we ended up with the wrong people? That you regret being with Mai? Or that I shouldn't have been with Aang?"
"You know that's not what I mean!" Zuko spat, shaking a finger at Katara. "But you can't deny that there's a connection between us. There always has been– even if we didn't have specific feelings or recognized that there might be feelings."
"You're being ridiculous," Katara hissed, turning away from him and refusing to look at her friend.
"I'm not! You just don't want to deny the fact that these last four years, the two of us have gotten closer and we've developed feelings, something more than friendship!" Zuko cried out. "Strong feelings! Feelings I don't want to have to hide, especially because I care about you so much!"
"I care about you too," Katara assured, her tense shoulders softening up just the slightest as she kept herself firmly planted in the opposite direction. "But this isn't going to end well. Me and you? What would the others say? Our kids!?"
"I think they'd be fine and want us happy," Zuko argued. "I think that maybe it wouldn't be as bad as you think. That instead of some random person, it's their parent's best friend. Someone they've known their entire life and don't have to change for or get to know. Besides, I'm almost positive half of them think we're already dating so what's the point?"
"What about our duties?" Katara turned to look back at Zuko again, this time with a sort of fire in blazing her eyes. "You're the Fire Lord, Zuko. I can't just leave my life and move to Caldera City and become the Fire Lady. I'm worn out and tired. I can't be in a position like that now. Besides, I know the Fire Nation has come far, but you really expect them to accept a waterbender as their new Fire Lady?"
"One, they'd have to suck it up just like they sucked up Akio being a peasant. The Fire Nation will accept whatever wife or husband a member of my family will bring in," Zuko stated fiercely, crossing his arms over his chest. "And second, I'm not even asking you to be the Fire Lady! Better yet, I didn't even propose marriage!"
"How do you expect this to work?" Katara pointed out sadly, motioning her hands in a back-and-forth between her direction and Zuko's. "We have conflicting duties that make it as hard as it is for us to even meet during the year. Not to mention, Korra. I have to be here for her. I want to be able to train her."
"I know, which is why I've thought about it," Zuko said, biting his lip as he stopped for a beat. "And well…I'm going to step down."
Katara blinked, her boots feeling as if they were being glued to the snow and ice she was currently standing on. Without thinking, she let out a hysterical chuckle. "I'm sorry, that's kind of funny, did you just say you were going to step down?"
"You heard me correctly," Zuko affirmed seriously, observing Katara to see what her reaction would be."Hopefully within the next year or two, and with Izumi's permission, of course, I will be retiring."
"Retire!?" Katara sputtered out in shock. "You can't just retire! But–"
"I don't see why not," Zuko replied, raising his eyebrows. "Your dad did it."
"So, that's because the Chief here has now become more of an elected position," Katara rambled, running a hand through her hair. "Although the role did pass down to my brother, the people still chose him and my father to lead, technically…Or I don't know– Agh! Look, I don't want you to give up something like that for me! That's crazy! To see if our relationship might or might not work!?"
"It's not just us," Zuko told her, sighing heavily. "There's so much more."
"Well what is it then?" Katara challenged.
"I'm tired, Katara," Zuko exasperated unexpectedly. It was then that the waterbender realized her friend had been crying. Frustrated and tired tears started to well up in Zuko's amber irises as he tried to hide them from her. The wind let out a powerful gust around them, causing Zuko's longer hair to cover part of his face as he looked away from her. "I've given everything I had to the Fire Nation for almost thirty-six years of my life. I've lost so many people and still managed to transform it into what it is today…It's time for me to retire…Izumi is ready. She's been ready for quite some time now."
Katara paused, watching Zuko as he breathed hard. "I…I had no idea."
"Well, I haven't exactly told anyone yet," Zuko confessed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm telling you right now because if I do retire, it's time for me to live again…I want to help with Korra. I want to teach her firebending like I taught Aang. Not because it'll give me credit for teaching another Avatar, but it'll make me feel like me again. I want to feel like the banished prince again crazy as that sounds. The one who you all awkwardly met at the Western Air Temple. I just want to be me…And as for us, that would be a bonus to this whole plan. Something I didn't technically factor in but would like to."
"Are you sure though? About us?" Katara questioned hesitantly, her lip wobbling slightly.
"I'm certain," Zuko declared sternly. "I want to spend whatever time I got left with you, Katara. I want to be happy."
"I want to be happy too. I want to love you so badly," Katara finally confessed, her voice feeling tiny. It was as if her throat was tightening up with all the emotion she was feeling right now, her body trembling slightly at the very confession that made her head spin. "But, I'm so scared, Zuko…I feel as if I fall for you and let myself love you, then what is Aang to me now?"
"You can love more than one person, Katara," Zuko whispered, stalking forward to be closer to the form of his life long friend. "You know this. You've seen it happen to your dad and to Sokka…And look at me. I will always love Mai, but I know she didn't expect me to be alone for the rest of my life. That there was the possibility I would fall for another and I think she wanted me to be happy. Besides, my uncle was right in that love is plentiful. Throughout our lifetime, we change. We change because things happen and we grow to love others like we've never loved before."
Katara was silent, her chest tightening as she too walked closer until she was a foot away from the Fire Lord. "I still feel like I'm betraying Aang somehow."
Zuko nodded, taking a moment to cup Katara's cheek briefly. "I felt guilty too. I felt like I was doing something wrong, falling for my best friend's girl…but then, I remember Aang. He wouldn't hold any hard feelings and I feel like wherever he is, he isn't angry. He wanted both of us to be happy and after everything we've both suffered, I think we deserve to feel loved."
Katara paused, swallowing hard as she looked into Zuko's loving and hopeful gaze. The Fire Lord watched as Katara stood still, seeming like she was struggling to find words. "I understand if you are not comfortable or you truly do not feel the same, but I need you to know that I've fallen in love with you, Katara. Not because we're both alone, but because you're compassionate and kind. You understand me and you make me feel safe. You put a smile on my face and you're my best friend. You've always had a special place in my heart and I just need you to know that you always will."
The waterbender didn't say anything but simply placed a hand on Zuko's chest. The firebender gently looked down to where Katara's hand rested and was about to tell her to forget everything out of fear of rejection when he suddenly felt soft lips crash to his. Zuko's eyes widened in surprise when he noticed it was Katara kissing him. However, he quickly composed himself as his eyes shut in blissful content and he brought the waterbender closer to his embrace. Her lips molding to his as he rested one hand on her lower back and one behind her neck. Katara's arms meanwhile snaked around his neck and brought her body closer to Zuko's. Their bodies melting against the other in a sense of solace and release.
As they then slowly pulled apart from their kiss, Katara grinned at Zuko with a breathless expression."I wanted to fight it," Katara blurted out, the tears welling up profusely in her ocean eyes. "But truthfully, I don't think I do. My love for you has grown into something new and it scares me, but I've fallen for you too, Zuko. You make me feel young, you protect me, and you have made me so happy…I don't want to be apart. I don't want to have to wait for your visits. I want to come home to you."
Zuko let out a watery, happy laugh at this as he leaned his forehead against hers. He couldn't help but admire the chocolate wisps of hair that framed her face and blew softly in the wind. She smelled like the ocean air on Ember Island and it brought a sense of ease to the firebender.
Meanwhile, Katara's arms now rested lazily around his shoulders as she nestled against him. The waterbender suddenly felt a huge weight being lifted off her chest as she confessed her true feelings to her best friend. The feeling she'd been trying to deny for so long was finally out into the universe and the universe wasn't punishing her for loving another.
"Well, I'm very happy to hear that," he said wholeheartedly, causing Katara to chuckle. The tears began to leak slowly from her eyes as Zuko's hand reached up to cup her cheek. She nestled further into his touch as the two enjoyed the moment for a brief second.
"Come on," Katara whispered, pulling slowly away from him. "We should probably get back in the house before we freeze."
"Firebender, remember?" Zuko quipped, wiggling his fingers that were currently tipped off with fire.
"Shut up," Katara teased, playfully jabbing Zuko in the side.
It didn't seem like anything could ruin the pure moment of bliss the two were sharing. However, the sound of an ear piercing shriek cutting through the South Pole would snap them out of this moment of happiness and insight one of fear.
"That's Senna," Katara said fearfully, sharing a glance of panic with Zuko.
"Let's go!" Zuko cried out as they ran towards the igloo. Katara had instantly drawn water from her water skin and formed a water cloak, her arms covered in water like two tentacles. Meanwhile, Zuko's hands were coated in fire, ready to attack.
The newly formed couple rushed back to the igloo to find that the White Lotus guards that were stationed outside the household were riddled unconscious and were tossed across the snow caps. Without hesitation, they rushed inside to come face to face with two new faces.
One was the White Lotus guard she'd seen earlier with the scar over his eyebrow. Without the traditional blue White Lotus helmet, Katara could see him a little better now. He was bald and his frame was stocky. Along with the scar over his eyebrow, the man had cauliflower ear, indicating that he's probably been in a great deal of fights throughout his lifetime.
The other was a man with light golden brown eyes and long black hair with a thin but lengthy mustache. Katara noticed he was also wearing the traditional White Lotus robes, probably as a disguise. He was bending what at first glance seemed to be fire, but taking a closer look Katara was shocked to see it was molten lava.
Senna was in the corner, gagged and bound up, while the bald man held on tightly to Korra. He was holding the young girl hostage as he whipped out a knife and held it against her neck.
"Stay put and I won't harm the child," the man warned venomously.
"Guess we didn't factor these two from staying behind," the long-haired man grumbled, studying Zuko and Katara cautiously. "Ming-Hua is going to be pretty bummed to learn she won't get the chance to defeat the renowned Master Katara."
"Who are you?" Zuko demanded furiously, his gaze turning deathly menacing.
"Zaheer, but that is not of the importance," the bald man informed them. His tone was cocky, but there was a sort of charismatic manner to him that Katara found disturbing.
"What do you want with her?" Katara barked through gritted teeth.
"What we want with the Avatar is not of the importance either," Zaheer drawled as Korra squirmed relentlessly, terrified in his grasp. "And if you want her to be unharmed, you will let us pass."
"You won't take her," Katara stated coolly.
"Well, you're too late."
Before anyone could react, the side of the family's igloo blew open. Chunks of ice and foundation flew everywhere, causing Katara to grab Zuko's arm in a haste and throw them in the direction of where Senna was tied up against the opposing wall. She could feel Zuko's arm shift over her back and over her neck, to protect her head as shambles of the home managed to fall around them.
Katara could lift her head to see the outline of a woman standing before the melted side of the igloo with another woman right behind her. The first woman was slender and tall with dark brown hair that was in a braid like a hornet's stinger, but the sides of her head were cleanly shaved. She had fiery amber eyes and was dressed in a red bodice and skirt along with armor on her shoulders. In the middle of her forehead was a red and white eye– just like Combustion Man's.
Behind her stood a much shorter waterbender in a dark blue and black parka. She was tan with silky black hair and gray, lifeless eyes. Katara could briefly see she didn't have any arms but made up for that with the use of her waterbending by using her water whips as her arms.
As Katara began to get up, the unnamed earthbender managed to use the lava he had been controlling and pull it up between them and the others, forming a fiery barrier between them and Zuko and Katara. The waterbender and the Fire Lord worked to put out the lava that was currently melting its way across the house and towards Senna.
Katara managed to bend a thick layer of ice over the steaming lava, but unfortunately, the ban of kidnappers managed to take the little girl and start making their way to the outer rim of the city.
"Did you see that?" Zuko groaned as he untied Senna and Katara put the lava at bay. "That man could lava bend? And that woman with the explosions– oh Agni, not another one. Where's Sokka and his boomerang when you actually need him?"
"You need to go after Korra!" Senna cried out in fear as they set her free. "My baby! They took my baby!"
"Don't worry, Senna. We'll get her back," Katara promised, stalking forward to comfort the woman. "What we need from you is to go find the others. Warn them of what's happened. Zuko and I will follow them. We'll get your daughter back. I promise."
Senna nodded through her tears and gave a small grateful smile. "Thank you."
"Now, go," Katara urged as the Avatar's mother made a break to find the others. Meanwhile, the waterbender turned to Zuko. "Are you ready to go capture the Avatar, Prince Zuko?"
"Thought you'd never ask," Zuko quipped as he and Katara ran after Zaheer and his group into the tundra of the south. They would both stop at nothing until they had Korra back safe and sound and far away from this strange man…
A/N: Well, they finally confessed their feelings lol. I decided to throw a few of my favorite fan cannons in their like Zuko chasing Korra or Toph wanting a life changing field trip with Zuko still. Anyway, hope you all enjoyed! We're nearing the end soon! In the meantime, keep on a lookout for the next update, please review, and thanks for reading!